What is the Islamic perspective on reiki and yoga?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

We have already issued Fatwa: 85297 about the position of Islam on yoga clarifying that it is idol worship. Reiki is similar to yoga, it is based on what they call 'Universal life force energy'. They claim that this force runs freely through every living thing when one is healthy, positive and well. However, during particularly stressful periods in our lives, the tension we experience slows down or restricts this energy flow in various parts of our body adversely affecting our health. The role of the practitioner is to direct the healing energy to the body in order to cure the patient.

In contrast, the cure is not certain at 100%. Furthermore, it is known that believing in this universal life force energy which runs through every living being and that it heals and affects our health is disbelief, because when believing so, one is attributing the dominion of this universe and life to other than Allaah. Allaah says (which means): {And whatever you have of favour, it is from Allaah.}[Qur'an 16:53]. Allaah further says speaking about the Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham) (which means): {And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.}[Qur'an 26:80]. Allaah also says (which means): {And if Allaah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good — then He is over all things competent.}[Qur'an 6:17]. Another verse reads (which means): {Say, "Then have you considered what you invoke besides Allaah? If Allaah intended me harm, are they removers of His Harm; or if He intended me mercy, are they withholders of His Mercy?"}[Qur'an 39:38].

In addition to this, it is certain that the practitioner is practicing pagan rites in order to make this 'Universal life force energy' run through the body of the patient, and the patient may be ordered to perform some of these rites. Therefore, it is forbidden to practice this or to go to one of its practitioners.

Allaah knows best.